Delivering energy infrastructure needs people, capability, and cohesion
Australia's energy transition requires more than technical plans. Discover four ways to build the people, culture and capability to deliver infrastructure at scale.
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With the mining sector continuing to play a key role in global economic growth and decarbonisation an important focus, maintaining a strong and productive sector will require changes along entire supply chains.
One challenge for organisations is that net zero alignment impacts every aspect of operations, from strategic decisions to physical operations. This is in addition to pressures from customers, investors and supply chain participants to deliver clear pathways to net zero with transparent reporting on action.
As organisations work towards reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions, the more complex task lies in addressing scope 3 emissions, which demands the rethinking of how existing assets, systems and processes can adapt and be flexible.
Creating a pathway for decarbonisation will require electrification and renewable energy, together with systemised optimisation of technology and operations. It will also require the strategic navigation of risks and pain points to maintain business continuity and introduce initiatives that meaningfully decarbonise operations.
In a series of articles published in Engineers Australia’s Create Magazine, Aurecon experts explore the challenges and opportunities of decarbonising mining, from why engineers will require systems thinking to make zero-carbon mining a reality, to the role of AI from design to operations, and how to address the logistical and cost challenges.
Decarbonising the mining sector through electrification is not just the future, but increasingly the present, reducing emissions and enhancing sustainability.
In a special op-ed for Create Magazine titled ‘Why electrification is critical to decarbonising the mining sector’[1], Aurecon’s Colin Sheldon contributes to the series of articles that looks at decarbonising the mining sector via methods such as electrification is the future – and, increasingly, the present.
"The decarbonisation of the mining sector will have an outcome far greater than the sum of its parts."
Colin Sheldon, Manager, Asset Management & Performance
Efforts such as electrifying heavy mobile equipment fleets and investing in renewable energy are reducing operational emissions and enabling sustainable practices across the supply chain.
Australian mining giants like Rio Tinto and BHP are also collaborating on innovative technologies, showing inter-industry collaboration which not only decreases emissions, but also drives supply chain-wide transformation. This momentum positions Australia to lead in sustainable mining, benefiting both the industry, economy, and the environment.
To address the logistical and cost challenges of decarbonisation, the mining sector is turning to innovative solutions like battery-electric vehicles, renewable-powered operations, and dynamic charging systems.
Aurecon’s Ben McGarry contributes to this Create Magazine article titled ‘The future is electrifying’[2], that explores the challenges of decarbonising the mining sector, long considered too technically difficult to solve.
Driven by a need to reduce the mining sector’s substantial carbon footprint, companies like Bellevue Gold and Fortescue have set ambitious goals, powered by renewables, electrified fleets, and systems integration.
Achieving net-zero requires a holistic approach, rethinking existing operations, minimising waste, and replacing diesel with electric vehicles as the majority of energy comes from diesel (at 41 per cent). This is in addition to sourcing renewable energy for operations.
"One of the ways you can deliver energy to a moving vehicle is via an overhead powerline system, providing dynamic charging to an onboard battery."
Ben McGarry, Decarbonisation Practice Leader, Aurecon
Key challenges include safely integrating battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and dynamic charging infrastructure, especially in demanding environments. In response, there is rapidly increasing collaborative research and investment in BEV technology and alternative energy systems to advance mining's transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.
In addition, there are organisations that are beginning to adjust operations to maximise electrification by matching renewable energy generation periods. This operational flexibility will become increasingly relevant as more renewable generation is introduced to mining.
Integrating renewable energy and digital technologies in the resources sector is essential for achieving zero-carbon operations, while collaboration also plays a key role in driving sustainability.
Aurecon’s Renee Gardiner contributes to this article from Create Magazine, ‘Why integrating systems is essential for zero-carbon mining’[3], that explores how achieving zero-carbon mining requires a holistic, systems-thinking approach, moving beyond isolated upgrades to individual equipment or renewable installations.
By looking at every part of the mining process, a symphony of opportunities are unveiled to adapt operations to varying renewable energy supply throughout the day, reducing emissions without relying solely on offsets. This shift to a systems view ensures flexibility, interdependence, and maximises efficiency across all systems in the mine, transforming how resources and equipment is managed.
"To be able to decarbonise, we need to ask what can be improved and what can be optimised. How can we really add to that decarbonisation journey?"
Renee Gardiner, Industry Director, Resources
The electric mine is also highly interdependent between systems. For example, if a truck drives down a decline, but then has to make an unplanned trip uphill into another area, does it have the right amount of power to get back out of the hole?
Achieving net zero mining hinges on an integrated approach that combines renewable energy, digital technologies, and collaborative innovation across all levels of operation.
Aurecon understands how complex mining assets and their value chains operate, and the unique challenges and opportunities facing clients in the sector. We look at problems differently, reframe opportunities, and bring together diverse opinions and ideas to successfully shape, design and deliver projects that enable decarbonisation of the mining sector.
Our resources industry experience is increasingly in demand to help clients navigate complexity, risk, and often conflicting stakeholder and operational requirements, to unveil the right strategic, operational and project opportunities.
[1] Sheldon, C. 11 July 2024. 'Why electrification is critical to decarbonising the mining sector'. Create Magazine. Accessed 22 November 2024.
[2] Sheedy, C. 5 September 2024. 'The future is electrifying'. Create Magazine. Accessed 22 November 2024.
[3] Sheedy, C. 25 July 2024. 'Why integrating systems is essential for zero-carbon mining'. Create Magazine. Accessed 22 November 2024.
These articles were first published online in Create Magazine by Engineers Australia.
Contributing authors & reviewers: Dr Kane Usher and Colin Sheldon.
Design Director – Australia
Environment & Planning Practice Leader – WA & NT, Australia
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